Personalized interface for torch system and method

Abstract

There is provided a system and method for quick identification and selection of torch processes based on a profile scheme. In an illustrated embodiment, a profile selectable via a one-click process may define operational parameters for one or more torch processes. Multiple profiles may be identified by corresponding labels that are visible on the face of the system. Furthermore, in an illustrated embodiment, the profiles and associated torch processes may be automatically stored in the system upon user configuration of the operational parameters. For example, in one embodiment, the user may select a profile and configure a welding process. Upon changing an operational parameter, it may be automatically saved to the selected profile and process. Reselection of that profile may recall the last used process and its associated parameters. The operational parameters of other configured processes may then be retrieved by selecting the desired process within the selected profile.

1 . A torch system comprising:
 a personalized interface, comprising:
 a plurality of selectors corresponding to a plurality of configurable profiles, wherein each selector is configured to adjust operational parameters of the torch system upon selection. 
   
   
   
       2 . The torch system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of selectors comprises a plurality of buttons each corresponding to a single configurable profile. 
   
   
       3 . The torch system of  claim 1 , wherein each selector enables recall of a personalized configuration of the operational parameters without adjustment of various controls associated with the operational parameters. 
   
   
       4 . The torch system of  claim 1 , wherein a single selection of each selector is configured to recall the corresponding configurable profile. 
   
   
       5 . The torch system of  claim 1 , wherein each selector is disposed adjacent to a label area. 
   
   
       6 . The torch system of  claim 5 , wherein the label area comprises one or more reusable labeling surfaces. 
   
   
       7 . The torch system of  claim 5 , wherein the label area comprises one or more displays. 
   
   
       8 . The torch system of  claim 1 , wherein a programmable controller comprises the personalized interface and is configured to automatically save the operational parameters for the plurality of configurable profiles. 
   
   
       9 . The torch system of  claim 8 , wherein a programmable controller comprises a flash memory reader/writer configured to copy the operational parameters for the plurality of configurable profiles to/from a portable flash memory device. 
   
   
       10 . The torch system of  claim 1 , comprising a torch power unit, a welding gun, a cutting torch, a wire feeder, a gas source, a power source, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       11 . The torch system of  claim 1 , wherein the operational parameters correspond to a stick welding process, a flux cored arc welding process, a gas metal arc welding process, a shielded metal arc welding process, a gas tungsten arc welding process, a metal inert gas welding process, a pulsed metal inert gas welding process, a tungsten inert gas welding process, a pulsed tungsten inert gas welding process, a spot welding process, a resistance spot welding process, a submerged arc welding process, a regulated metal deposition process, an air carbon arc cutting process, a plasma arc cutting process, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       12 . The torch system of  claim 1 , wherein the operational parameters comprise amperage, voltage, wire feed speed, electrode type, start method, base material, wire diameter, metal inert gas weld type, shielding gas, fixed torch, trigger hold, trigger select, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       13 . A torch system, comprising:
 a programmable controller, comprising:
 a personalized user interface, wherein the personalized user interface comprises at least one quick selector configured to recall operational parameters of a torch process. 
   
   
   
       14 . The torch system of  claim 13 , wherein the programmable controller comprises at least one process user interface configured to enable input of the operational parameters. 
   
   
       15 . The torch system of  claim 14 , wherein the personalized user interface enables the programmable controller to recall the operational parameters input to the process user interface without adjusting settings on the process user interface. 
   
   
       16 . The torch system of  claim 13 , wherein the programmable controller comprises a non-volatile memory configured to store the operational parameters in association with one or more profiles, wherein the profiles are selectable via the quick selector. 
   
   
       17 . The torch system of  claim 16 , wherein the programmable controller is configured to automatically save the operational parameters in association with the one or more profiles upon input of the operational parameters. 
   
   
       18 . The torch system of  claim 13 , wherein the programmable controller comprises a flash memory reader/writer configured to copy the operational parameters for the plurality of configurable profiles to/from a portable flash memory device. 
   
   
       19 . The torch system of  claim 13 , comprising a torch power unit, a welding gun, a cutting torch, a wire feeder, a gas source, a power source, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       20 . A torch system, comprising:
 one or more tangible, machine-readable media comprising:
 code executable to save operational parameters for a plurality of profiles automatically upon user selection of the operational parameters for each profile; or 
 code executable to recall the operational parameters for each profile to configure the torch system based on a one-click user selection of each profile; or 
 a combination thereof. 
   
   
   
       21 . The torch system of  claim 20 , wherein the code is executable to save and/or recall the operational parameters for a plurality of different torch processes for each profile. 
   
   
       22 . The torch system of  claim 20 , comprising a non-volatile memory configured to store the operational parameters associated with the profiles. 
   
   
       23 . The torch system of  claim 20 , wherein a programmable controller comprises the one or more tangible, machine-readable media and is configured to receive the operational parameters via at least one user interface. 
   
   
       24 . A method, comprising:
 automatically saving a user profile to a profile selector based on one or more selections of operational parameters of a torch system via controls separate from the profile selector.   
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24 , comprising recalling the operational parameters upon selection of the user profile via the profile selector. 
   
   
       26 . A method, comprising:
 saving operational parameters of a torch system to a desired profile upon user selection of a save option and/or the desired profile; and   recalling the operational parameters upon a one-step selection of the desired profile.   
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein user selection of the desired profile comprises depressing and holding a selector associated with the profile. 
   
   
       28 . A torch system, comprising:
 a personalized interface, comprising:
 a plurality of customizable profiles each having operational parameters for the torch system; and 
 a desired customizable profile is selectable without scrolling through a list of the plurality of customizable profiles. 
   
   
   
       29 . The torch system of  claim 28 , wherein the desired customizable profile is selectable by a single depression of a corresponding button.